Eardisland in north Herefordshire, England is an exceptionally pretty village. It has everything visitors expect in a country village – black and white half-timbered cottages peeping out of gardens full of flowers, a placid little river running through the centre of the village crossed by an ancient stone bridge, a quaint village shop and an old pub.

In fact, Eardisland has all this and more. There are two pubs, a village shop in a re-cycled 17th century dovecote, and a unique relic of motoring history.

Staik House

One of the village’s exceptional buildings is Staik house. With many original windows and door still intact, it was built around 1300 as a Yeoman’s Hall. Later additions in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries make this one of Eardisland's most interesting timber framed buildings.

The village is surrounded by farmland and ancient Apple and Cider Apple orchards. The orchards are a riot of blossom in the Spring but don’t be fooled by the Cider Apples in Autumn. They look so inviting – red, juicy and sweet but one bite and your mouth dries up. Strictly to be used for making alcoholic cider and not eating!

Eardisland Dovecote

After parking in the Visitors Car Park in the centre of the village, make your first stop the distinctive 17th century Eardisland Dovecote. It is beside the stone bridge over the River Arrow and doubles as the Village Shop. It is open for inspection daily all year, free of charge with disabled access to the ground floor. Displayed in the Dovecote is an exhibition about England's motoring heritage.

Heritage AA Box

The Eardisland Dovecote Trust who owns and maintains the historic dovecote is also responsible for England's oldest AA Box (Eardisland Heritage AA Box) beside The Cross Inn. This box is the only known surviving example of the pre-war type of box and is unique.

St Mary’s Walk

Eardisland with its placid little River Arrow running through the middle is easily the most picturesque of Hereford’s ‘Black and White Trail’ villages - (see Picturesque Villages Tour in this website).

It may have grown up around a motte-and-bailey castle which has now disappeared. There is a substantial mound surrounded by water visible from St Mary’s Walk and this could have been a Welsh border castle or even a Saxon stronghold – nobody knows. To find St Mary’s Walk turn left when walking from the village car park to the Church.

St Mary’s Church

The church of St Mary the Blessed Virgin, Eardisland has a number of interesting architectural features. The Chancel roof is 14th century of the trussed rafter type, with curved braces forming two-centred arches; the Nave roof dates from an 1864 restoration, but the 16th century tie-beam against the West wall remains and is finely carved, with a running vine ornamentation. The recesses, the sedilia, and the piscina are all 14th century.

The Eardisland Oak

Eardisland is home to the ‘Eardisland Oak’, one of the oldest oak trees in the area - 500 years or more. Its girth is measured from time to time and now stands at 26ft 3 inches (8.4 metres). A footpath from the village will take visitors to see this magnificent tree which has witnessed much of Eardisland’s history.

The footpath leaves from the village car park, past the church, the village hall, the Bowling Green and the recreation ground. The footpath splits off to the left over a stile into a large open field where you will see the magnificent tree. Good walking shoes are required for this walk.

Eardisland Community Shop

The shop in the Dovecote is managed and staffed by volunteers. Locally known as the TARDIS because it has such a large range of stock, the shop focuses mainly on locally produced food. This is the place to buy quality bread, cakes, biscuits, vegetables, dairy products, preserves, ice creams, chutneys, honey, sausages, pies, bacon, eggs and more. All delivered fresh, some daily, from within a few miles of the shop. The fresh produce sells out very quickly so shop early.

- Opening Hours:

April to September - Monday to Saturday 08:00 to 17:00 hours

Sundays and Bank Holidays - 10:00 to 14:00 hours

October to March - Monday to Saturday 08:00 to 16:00 hours

Sundays and Bank Holidays - 10:00 to 14:00 hours

The shop does not sell alcohol or tobacco products.

Orders can be placed for collection. Tel: 01544 388984.

Food & Drink

There were two public houses in the village – The Cross Inn and The White Swan. Unfortunately, the Cross Inn is currently closed and up for sale. It is to be hoped that a new owner will be found soon.